What if the solution to the data center workforce crisis starts in kindergarten?

Dr. Sharon Jones, founder of the Dottie Rose Foundation, joins us for a conversation that challenges everything you think you know about AI education, workforce development, and the future of technical careers. From her unexpected journey from DJ dreams to computer science advocacy, Sharon reveals why "the power of the blend" - human creativity combined with AI capabilities - is the key to thriving in our rapidly evolving industry.

Key Insights:

• Start AI literacy early - Digital literacy conversations should begin in kindergarten, not college 

• Embrace human-AI collaboration - MIT research proves that human + AI teams outperform either working alone 

• Apply the TAM model - Technology adoption depends on perceived usefulness and ease of use 

• Implement just-in-time learning - 5-7 minute focused training sessions with immediate application 

• Support the education pipeline - The teacher shortage directly impacts our future workforce 

• Think frameworks, not rigid curricula - Flexibility and personalization are essential for effective learning 

• Education as the great equalizer - Exposure and opportunity bring humanity together

Dr. Sharon's passion for closing the gender gap in tech shines through as she shares practical strategies for building inclusive, AI-literate workforces. Whether you're leading a team, developing training programs, or wondering how to prepare for an AI-enhanced future, this conversation provides the roadmap.

Connect with Dr. Sharon Jones:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sharon-torrence-jones-a9b264a6/

https://dottierosefoundation.org/

https://thedotconsulting.co/

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide): https://www.e-2-d.org

Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by Dr. Fred Davis

MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab research on human-AI collaboration

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Connect with Mara:

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Connect with Val:

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